Rochford Pinot Noir 2005

The thing about pinot noir is that it's not always the expensive bottles or the grand labels that deliver. Indeed, more often than my wallet or palate enjoys, they do not. I couldn't stop smiling then when I opened this 2005 vintage Rochford pinot noir last night from the Yarra Valley. Although a good vintage in the Yarra Valley for pinot noir, this is not a bottle that I was expecting to be stunning. Which made it all the more enjoyable that it was.

Winemaker David Creed fashioned a gorgeous pinot noir here. A light intensity garnet in colour, the wine's aroma is pronounced, with cherries, garrigue, stems and graphite melding together harmoniously. The palate has long length, with medium acidity and memorable cherry and clove flavours, seasoned with some pepper. A fine wine for only $30. 94 points (extremely good)